Ramblings of a soon to be Ironman....

Every day I open my email to the same questions.."how's your Ironman training going". Well, with 38 days left until IM FL 08 and the same questions appearing over and over everyday...I decided to take on blogging. This way, I can track what I am doing, and so can you!

Now, let me warn you...I have never had a blog before, just a personal journal. And, at times, I can't even follow my own thoughts. SO, this could be a trip into the Twilight Zone for many. (Or the new question may be When are you going to start Psycho-therapy? Although that was recommended when I announced I was going to train for Florida.)

When I first registered, the main question was WHY? I guess I should start with that.

I guess my answer is Why not? I have done Marathons, Ultra Cycling, Mountain biking, MTB Racing, X-terra, Duathlons, Adventure Races, 12 hour races, 24 hour races and many other events...so what else can I do? Every challenge we put ourselves through; mental, emotional, physical, financial...makes us stronger. This will either make me stronger...or Kill me. (Just kidding mom! I promised her I would stop if I thought I was going to die.)

I need to prove to myself that I can. I work with amazing people on the race circuit, and every IM I work...I look at the field and know I could do that. This just proves to myself that I can.

For my kids...yes...that seems cliche I know. But it's true. The first time I crossed the Marathon Finish Line, my son was so proud! I could see it in his eyes. When I use to live in California and would be training for "what-ever event was coming up", my kids were the ones motivating me to get out and run or bike. And now; when I hear that both of my kids brag that their mom is going to be an Ironman, I can't help to smile and feel proud.

I am competing For ME - I guess if it all comes down to it. I am doing it for me. Yes, selfish as it may be, It's all about MICHELLE. A friend of mine and I had a discussion a few weeks ago, and she laid out her priorities. She listed them as Her family, her friends, and her job. And I told her that I was far more selfish. I come first in my life...then my family, friends, job, etc. (as normal people list them). She was a little shocked. But it's true. I come first. If I am not happy, then how is the rest of my family going to be happy? If I don't feel fulfilled, how am I going to lift the spirits and encourage my family and friends to strive for the impossible? If I am not in charge of my life...how can I expect to be in charge of two wonderful children's lives?

Hell...I guess I am also doing it for bragging rights. This is a big one. How many people do Ironman distance triathlons? Yes, it's not like it was in the 80's when it was truly only the elites and crazy doing it. But there are still far less people challenging the IM course than racing in a Marathon. I think I should find out the stats for that!

It's a self-centered thought...but when you are cycling for 5 hours alone with no-one to talk to...this is what you think about!